Key Debates Joe Biden Should Have Addressed but Left Unmentioned

The first presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump highlighted several key issues that could have been addressed but were not. This analysis delves into the areas where Biden could have pushed back harder against Trump, while also considering the overall strategic direction of his performance.

Foreign Policy and War Withdrawals

Omision: Foreign Policy and War Withdrawals

One of the glaring omissions in the debate was Biden’s failure to address the ongoing foreign policy crises, specifically the United States' role in ongoing wars and the withdrawal from the Middle East. This is a significant issue that affects global stability and the national security of the United States.

Biden should have questioned Trump’s rationale for the prolonged presence in wars such as those in Afghanistan and Syria. He could have highlighted the negative impact on U.S. credibility and the lives lost in these conflicts.

Populism, Corporate Interests, and Cabinet Choices

Omision: Persistent Populist Campaign with Corporate Cabinet

Biden’s debate performance was also marred by his failure to confront Trump’s populist campaign promises and the subsequent appointments that did not align with these promises. Trump’s cabinet was filled with corporate interests, a point that could have been used effectively to highlight the disconnect between campaign rhetoric and reality.

He should have held Trump’s feet to the fire by demanding to know why, if he was a populist in 2016, he appointed a cabinet of wealthy corporate figures. This could have revealed a significant policy inconsistency in Trump’s presidency.

Covid-19 Response and Policies

Omision: Compelling Arguments Against Unsafe Reopenings

The most pressing and contentious issue of the moment is the handling of the pandemic. Biden missed a crucial opportunity to argue against Trump’s policies that led to unsafe reopenings. This point was particularly relevant given the significant health and economic consequences of premature reopenings and the disproportionate impact on minority communities.

Biden could have pointed out the dangers of reopening too soon and the prevention of accurate testing, which could have saved countless lives. He could have blamed Trump and Republican governors for prioritizing economic recovery over public health, especially given the higher infection rates among African-American communities.

Addressing Misinformation and Lies

Omision: Confronting Trump on Lying

Biden’s debating strategy should have involved a more robust approach to counter the ongoing lies and misinformation spread by Trump. Simple repetition like 'that’s a lie' can be effective, but Biden could have gone a step further by providing detailed evidence and context.

Instead of just denying Trump’s lies, Biden should have pointed to concrete facts and evidence whenever Trump made unfounded claims. This would not only challenge Trump’s credibility but also engage voters in a fact-based discussion about the issues at hand.

Conclusion

While Biden’s debate performance showed some strategic elements, there were clear gaps in addressing critical issues such as foreign policy, cabinet appointments, and the pandemic response. A more targeted and evidence-based approach could have significantly enhanced his arguments against Trump.

Key Takeaways:

Foreign Policy: Addressing the ongoing wars and withdrawal strategies. Populism: Holding Trump accountable for his campaign promises and cabinet choices. Pandemic Response: Confronting Trump and Republican governors for premature reopenings and the lack of accurate testing.

These points, if addressed, would have provided a stronger foundation for Biden’s campaign and potentially shifted the balance of the debate in his favor.